Russia: Putin and Macedonian President Ivanov discuss relations and trade in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the President of Macedonia Gjorgje Ivanov in Moscow, Wednesday. The main topics of the meeting reportedly included the current political situation in Macedonia, bilateral cooperation and boosting of economic ties between both countries. Regarding recent turmoils in Macedonian domestic politics, Putin said, “we carefully monitor what is happening in your country,“ while also wishing success to Ivanov “in ensuring that the internal political situation in Macedonia develops in accordance with the constitution.“ Ivano flew to Moscow on the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who played a decisive role in the history of both Russian and Macedonian culture. Ivanov took part in the ceremony of presenting the Patriarch Alexy II Prize for Excellence in Strengthening the Unity of Orthodox Peoples for the Establishment and Promotion of Christian Values in the Life of Society for 2016.